THE KAIMAI ROAD

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 64, 10 January 1918, Page 2

THE KAIMAI ROAD

Work to be Done At the meeting of the Matamata County Council on Tuesday a letter on the Kaimai road question was received from Mr H. R. Young, assistant engineer, Public Works department. He said that he had inspected the road as far as the Kaimai store. It was evident, he said, that most of the destruction of the road was due to storm water washing over it. Most of the culverts were plugged up with sand and debris and in many places new ones were required. The letter also gave details of proposed work on the road. Continuing the writer said it was a waste of money to do anything to the road unless the work is maintained and all the culverts inspected at least twice a week. He asked for suggestions as to how the road should be maintained, and stated that the installation of a toll-gate at the store had been suggested. The fees derived> from this source could be devoted towards maintaining the road. The chairman said the money for the work had been on the Estimates for five years, but had been hung up. He was impressed with a suggestion made that the Government and County bear the expense of maintenance to the extent of £7O or £BO per year each. The road should be kept open, as it was the connecting link between Tauranga and the Waikato, but it would be unfair to charge the cost to the Patetere riding. He thought the cost of maintenance should be spread over the county. Cr. Stopford said that the taxi drivers of Matamata were prepared to pay 2/6 per passenger over the road providing it was kept in order. He was of the opinion that the cost should be borne by the Matamata and Patetere ridings. The chairman said he was originally of the same opinion, but since then he had seen that there would be much traffic from the Cambridge district.

Cr. Banks was of the opinion that, half should be paid by the Patetere riding, a quarter by Matamata and a quarter by the balance of the county.' It was recognised by members that the balance of the benefit would be to the Matamata riding. Cr. Pohlen said the Matamata township would benefit, but it was not now part of the county. He thought the town should contribute towards the cost. Ten pounds per annum from the Matamata riding, he considered, would be a fair division. Cr. Stopford favoured a levy on all traffic. It was decided that a letter be forwarded to Mr. Young approving of his suggestions. Further consideration of the question was deferred until next meeting.